Elector-Population (EP) Ratio & Demographic Trends in Karnataka
What is EP Ratio?
- Definition: Ratio of total registered voters to the projected population (based on 2011 Census).
- Purpose: Helps assess demographic trends, birth rates, migration, and voter registration efficiency.
🔹 Key Statistics (As of February 2024)
- Karnataka EP Ratio:16
- National EP Ratio:76
- High EP Districts:
- Chikkamagaluru:84 (highest in state),Kodagu: 84.25,Mandya: 83.72,Hassan: 82.82,Udupi: 83.07,Bengaluru South (Ramanagara): 82.75,Tumakuru: 81.78
🔹 Demographic Inference from High EP Ratios
- Low Birth Rate:
- Noted in Chikkamagaluru – fewer people below 18 years
- Could imply negative population growth
- Migration:
- High adult population in Vokkaliga-dominated districts due to migration to Bengaluru for employment
- Effective Voter Registration:
- In some districts, high EP may reflect administrative efficiency and political awareness
🔹 Sources Used for Verification
- PDS (Ration Card) database
- National Sample Survey (NSS)
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
Final Electoral Roll (2025)